Download Why Unions

GRADE: 11
DATE: Jan 08
OPEN RESPONSE (Core Content 4.1)
CONTENT AREA: US History
QUESTION TITLE: Why Unions
4.1 C. Cont. #
SS-HS-5.2.2
State Assessment Content Statement
Students will explain how the rise of big business,
factories, mechanized farming and the labor movement
impacted the lives of Americans. DOK 2
SITUATION (with real-life connections):
Workers of the 19th Century faced many problems during the
industrialization of the United States. The success of factories and other
businesses throughout the United States depended on the labor of the 19th
Century worker. In order to protect themselves, workers united.
QUESTION OR DIRECTIONS:
A. Identify 3 problems workers faced during the Industrialization of the
United States.
B. Consider the problems that workers faced in the late 19th Century
and those that workers face today. Explain 3 reasons why Unions
are important to the modern American worker in the 21st century.
SPECIAL NOTES TO THE TEACHER REGARDING QUESTION or
accompanying passage: (if applicable)
SCORING GUIDE
GRADE: 11
DATE:
CONTENT AREA: Social Studies (US History)
QUESTION TITLE: Why Unions?
SCORE
DESCRIPTION
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4
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3
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Student identifies 3 problems workers faced during the Industrialization
of the U.S.
Student extensively explains three reasons Unions are important to the
modern American worker.
Student identifies 2 problems workers faced during the Industrialization
of the United States.
Student explains clearly three reasons Unions are important to the
modern American worker.
OR
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2
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
1
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0
Blank
Student identifies 3 problems workers faced during the Industrialization
of the United States
Student provides a satisfactory explanation using 2-3 reasons why
Unions are important to the modern American worker.
Student identifies 1-2 problems workers faced during the
Industrialization of the United States
Student provides a basic explanation of reasons Unions are important
to the modern American worker
Student identifies 1-2 problems workers faced during the
Industrialization of the United States
Student demonstrates minimal understanding of the content and
cannot explain his/her answer.
Student response is totally incorrect or irrelevant.
No response or blank.
QUESTION TITLE:
Why Unions?
GRADE
11
SAMPLE LEVEL 4 RESPONSE
Since the start of the Industrial Age in the United States workers have faced
problems. The workers had to find a way to deal with big businesses and
thus unions were formed. During the Industrial Age workers faced problems
such as low wages, long hours, and dangerous working conditions.
Unions are extremely important in today’s world. The unions today make
sure that their workers are properly paid, treated fairly, and receive the proper
benefits. Nearly a year ago the sports world saw the reason for unions. The
NHL players union felt the pay should be increased and the medical benefits
needed are adjusted. In the off season when the NHL owners and payers
met they could not reach a deal. The time for the start of the season came
and still no deal. Therefore, the players went on a strike and did not play
games at all. Unions are a key way for workers to have some power over
their employers. Without unions poor working conditions, low wages, long
hours, no vacation, and no over time might still be present today.